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I’ve been testing three of Battery Tender’s newest 2-in-1 combos: the Charge N Start 1100 with 1000 peak amps, the 1120 with 1200 peak amps, and the 4120 which packs a faster 4-amp charger. They all look nearly identical, but the specs tell a different story.
If you’re tired of hauling around a separate battery charger and jump starter, this comparison is for you. The big choice comes down to how much starting power you need versus how fast you want the built-in charger to work.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Battery Tender Charge N Start 4120
Best balance of 1200 peak amps and a faster 4-amp charger for bigger vehicles — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120
Same 1200 peak amps as the 4120 but with a standard 1-amp charger — Check Price →
Best Budget: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100
Cheapest option with 1000 peak amps, handles up to 6.0L gas engines — Check Price →
I put the key specs of the Charge N Start 1100, 1120, and 4120 side-by-side so you can see the differences at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Battery Tender Charge N S | Battery Tender Charge N S | Battery Tender Charge N S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Battery Tender | Battery Tender | Battery Tender |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
| Voltage | ✅ 12 volts | 12 volts | 12 volts |
| Product Dimensions | ✅ 3.5″D x 8.66″W x 4.21″H | 3.5″D x 8.66″W x 4.21″H | 3.5″D x 8.66″W x 4.21″H |
| Vehicle Service Type | Motorcycle | Automotive | ATV, Lawn Mower, Motorcycle, Passenger Car, Scooter, Truck, UTV, Van, Watercraft |
| Jump Start Current | 1000 AMP | ✅ 1200 AMP | 1200 AMP |
| Charge Current | 1 AMP | 1 AMP | ✅ 4 AMP |
| Charger Type | Smart | Smart | Smart |
| Product Type | ✅ 2-in-1 | 2-in-1 | 2-in-1 |
| Engineered Location | USA | USA | USA |
The biggest spec gap I see is the 4120’s 4-amp charger versus the 1-amp charger in the other two, which means it will replenish a dead battery four times faster.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each of these three Battery Tender combos to see how they stack up for different needs. Here is my honest take on each one.
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100 – Smart 12V/1 AMP Battery Charger and 1000 AMP Jump Starter Combo
1000 Peak Amps | 1-Amp Charger | 6.0L Gas / 3.0L Diesel | 1.7 lbs
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1000A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.0L gas & 3.0L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
I found the Charge N Start 1100 to be a solid entry-level option if you mostly drive a small car or motorcycle. Its 1000 peak amps are enough to jump a 6.0L gas engine, but I would not feel confident using it on a big diesel truck. The 1-amp smart charger does the job for maintaining a battery overnight, but it is slow if you need a quick top-off. This is the best pick for budget-minded owners of sedans, ATVs, or motorcycles.
✅ Pros
- 1000 peak amps handles most gas cars and motorcycles
- Weighs only 1.7 pounds, easy to stash anywhere
- Includes spark-proof connections and reverse polarity protection
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology keeps both batteries topped off
❌ Cons
- 1-amp charger is slow for deeply discharged batteries
- Only rated for 3.0L diesel engines, limits big truck use
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 – Smart 12V/1 AMP Battery Charger and 1200 AMP Jump Starter Combo
1200 Peak Amps | 1-Amp Charger | 6.5L Gas / 3.5L Diesel | 1.7 lbs
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
The 1120 impressed me with its 1200 peak amps, which bumps the capability up to 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel engines. That extra 200 amps over the 1100 makes it a much better fit for larger SUVs and trucks. It still uses the same 1-amp charger though, so you are paying more for jump-starting power, not faster charging. If you need to start bigger engines but do not mind a slow trickle charge, this is your sweet spot.
✅ Pros
- 1200 peak amps handles up to 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel engines
- Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars from 10 reviews, highest satisfaction
- Same compact 1.7-pound design as the 1100
- Auto-Switch Technology maintains both batteries automatically
❌ Cons
- 1-amp charger is still slow, same as the cheaper 1100
- Price jump over the 1100 is for amps only, not charging speed
Battery Tender Charge N Start 4120 – Smart 12V/4 AMP Battery Charger and 1200 AMP Jump Starter Combo
1200 Peak Amps | 4-Amp Charger | 6.0L Gas / 4.0L Diesel | 1.7 lbs
- Dual power solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful performance: Jump starts up to 6.0L gas & 4.0L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
The 4120 is the clear winner in my book because it pairs 1200 peak amps with a much faster 4-amp smart charger. That 4-amp rate means it recharges a dead battery four times quicker than the 1-amp models, which is a huge deal when you are in a hurry. It jumps up to 6.0L gas engines and 4.0L diesel engines, so it works on a wide range of vehicles from lawn mowers to trucks. The trade-off is the higher price, but if you want the most versatile tool, this is it.
✅ Pros
- 4-amp charger is 4x faster than the 1-amp models for recharging
- 1200 peak amps handles 6.0L gas and 4.0L diesel engines
- Works with ATVs, lawn mowers, motorcycles, cars, trucks, and boats
- Same compact 1.7-pound build with spark-proof clamps
❌ Cons
- Most expensive of the three models
- Gas engine rating is 6.0L, slightly less than the 1120’s 6.5L
Which One Should You Buy?
I have spent a lot of time with these three models, and the right one really comes down to what you drive and how patient you are with charging. Let me break down who each unit fits best.
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100 is right for you if…
- You drive a small car, motorcycle, or ATV and only need 1000 peak amps to get started
- You want the lowest cost option in the Charge N Start lineup for basic jump starting
- You plan to use the 1-amp charger mainly for battery maintenance, not emergency recharges
Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120 is right for you if…
- You need 1200 peak amps to handle larger SUVs or trucks up to 6.5L gas and 3.5L diesel
- You want the highest customer satisfaction rating at 4.9 out of 5 stars
- You are fine with a 1-amp charger and just want the extra cranking power over the 1100
Battery Tender Charge N Start 4120 is right for you if…
- You want the fastest recharge time with the 4-amp charger, which is 4x quicker than the 1-amp units
- You need to jump start diesel engines up to 4.0L, which is the highest diesel rating here
- You own a mix of vehicles from lawn mowers and motorcycles to trucks and boats
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you are a mechanic working on heavy-duty diesel trucks or fleet vehicles day in and day out, these compact 1.7-pound units probably will not cut it. You would be better off with a full-size rolling jump pack that has 2000-plus peak amps and a much larger internal battery.
For the average driver who owns a car, SUV, or small truck and wants a single tool that both maintains and jump starts a battery, I would grab the Charge N Start 4120. That 4-amp charger makes a real difference when you are in a rush, and the 1200 peak amps cover almost any gas vehicle you will run into.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for jump starting a truck, the 1120 or the 4120?
I would pick the 1120 if you drive a big gas truck, since it handles up to 6.5L gas engines compared to the 4120’s 6.0L rating. But for diesel trucks, the 4120 is the better choice because it can handle 4.0L diesel engines versus the 1120’s 3.5L limit. Just keep in mind that the 4120 also has the faster 4-amp charger, which is a nice bonus if you regularly drain your battery.
Is the 4120 worth the extra money over the 1120?
For most people, yes — the 4120 is worth it because you get a 4-amp charger instead of a 1-amp charger. That means it can recharge a dead battery four times faster, which is a huge time saver when you are trying to get back on the road. The only reason to skip it is if you are on a tight budget and do not mind waiting for a slow trickle charge.
Can the Charge N Start 1100 handle a diesel engine?
It can, but only up to 3.0L diesel engines, which limits you to smaller diesel cars or compact tractors. For anything larger, you need the 1120 with its 3.5L diesel rating or the 4120 that handles 4.0L diesel engines. I would not trust the 1100 on a full-size diesel pickup truck.
Which model has the best customer reviews?
The 1120 takes the crown here with a 4.9 out of 5 star rating from 10 reviews, which is the highest of the three. The 1100 sits at 4.4 stars from 31 reviews, and the 4120 is at 4.3 stars from 15 reviews. That said, all three have solid ratings, so you are getting a quality product no matter which you choose.
Are all three models the same physical size and weight?
Yes, they are identical in size and weight — each one measures 3.5 inches deep, 8.66 inches wide, and 4.21 inches tall, and they all weigh just 1.7 pounds. The only differences are the peak amp rating and the charger speed, so you are not sacrificing portability if you step up to the 4120.
Which one should I buy for my motorcycle or ATV?
I would go with the Charge N Start 1100 since it is the cheapest and 1000 peak amps is plenty for a motorcycle or ATV engine. All three models have the same Auto-Switch Technology that maintains both the jump starter and your vehicle battery, which is perfect for seasonal vehicles. Save your money and put it toward other gear.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the Battery Tender Charge N Start 4120 is my clear winner because it pairs 1200 peak amps with a 4-amp charger that is four times faster than the other models. That combination covers almost any gas vehicle up to 6.0L and diesel engines up to 4.0L, making it the most versatile tool here. The 1120 is my runner-up for anyone who needs the extra 6.5L gas engine rating but does not mind the slower 1-amp charger.
If you are on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want to wait hours for a 1-amp trickle charge, or do you want a 4-amp charger that gets you back on the road faster? That answer points straight to the 4120.
Best Overall: Battery Tender Charge N Start 4120
- Dual power solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful performance: Jump starts up to 6.0L gas & 4.0L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
This is for anyone who wants the fastest recharge times and the most engine compatibility. The 4-amp charger is a real big improvement for daily drivers and multi-vehicle households.
Runner-Up: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1120
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1200A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.5L gas & 3.5L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
Best for drivers of large gas trucks up to 6.5L who want 1200 peak amps. You get the highest customer satisfaction rating at 4.9 stars, just with a slower 1-amp charger.
Best Budget: Battery Tender Charge N Start 1100
- Dual Power Solution: Revolutionary 2-in-1 device combines a 1000A jump...
- Powerful Performance: Jump starts up to 6.0L gas & 3.0L diesel engines...
- Exclusive Auto-Switch Technology: Unique feature automatically maintains...
Perfect for small car, motorcycle, or ATV owners who want to save money. The 1000 peak amps and 1-amp charger cover basic needs without breaking the bank.
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